This is a huge priority. I know it is for you, Madam Secretary, and the President.

The issue of what degree we can trust the Iranian leadership I think should also be considered.

They're clearly militarizing that part of the world.

the number one thing we can do--to help push back against Putin is produce more American energy.

So, in our Arctic policy that this committee recommended--or, actually, requested that the Secretary of Defense promulgate 2 years ago, we talked about the ability to control that sea route, to run FONOPs [Freedom of Navigation Operations]…

How many BCTs are considered 'ready' now or 'almost ready'?

So in my view the blood of American soldiers and marines and sailors, airmen--the Iranians had that on their hands.

I would tell you that while we do not have a specific task to do something against Iran in this particular area...

Let's work on getting nominees, and then you guys can help us stop the historic obstruction of these nominees.

I think we have got to be willing to work with imperfect allies while being never reticent about what our values are.

I think it gives us a lot of confidence on some of the big challenges we have before us.

It's a little hypocritical to be complaining, when, when they get to the floor, they never get moved.

I certainly hope we do not have a really partisan vote here. That would be I think unfortunate and moving in dangerous territory.

We are an ally-rich nation and most of our adversaries or potential adversaries are ally-poor.

A bipartisan majority of U.S. Senators actually did not approve of the JCPOA.

there is a strong bipartisan support for that document.

I think sometimes China has come out and said, 'Well, we were forced to do this because you're running Freedom of Navigation operations in that region.'

It is pretty frightening when you see some seven islands that were illegally created and have nothing except really military equipment, cannons, and all of that.

It is an important issue. I think it still remains--I hope it still remains--a bipartisan issue.

I believe their intentions are clear. They're interested--China is interested in the resources in the Arctic Circle.

I just hope you take those very seriously as you committed in your confirmation, General, you would.

I do not think get the attention they deserve when the JCPOA is being reexamined.

So that has got to be a key component.

But, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle can't then just say, 'Now we're going to take 30 hours for every nominee that comes before the Senate.'

I think this comes up in the Armed Services hearings a lot lately, is, this concern about not getting enough nominees out to the State Department, for the Department of Defense, from the White House, from the administration.